Half centuries set Sunday XI on track for victory over Network Rail

Club Friendly

Willoughby 208 for 6
Network Rail 200 for 8

Willoughby won by 8 runs

Half centuries from Ben Hollis and Ashley Rayner were the platform for Willoughby’s first victory of the season as they ran out narrow winners over RDCL outfit Network Rail.

Bating first, the respective Saturday 1st and Wednesday XI skippers retired on 50 not out in mid order as the hosts set the visitors a total of 208 for 6 off their 40 overs. David Taylor taking 2 for 21 the pick of the Network Rail bowling.

In reply, the Railmen opened tentatively in the face of useful opening spells from the hosts before Gavin Campbell and Tom Dell made 20 and Daniel Roumayah 24. Their departures looked to have Willoughby on course to close out the game, however a late burst of 40 from Mallinson together with 26 not out from guesting Fergus Deery threatened to turn the game the visitor’s way.

However with 22 needed off the last over, the target proved just out of reach even if the visitors did have the satisfaction of finishing the game with a maximum over the trees.